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12 Movie Teachers Who Changed Our Lives

Liam Neeson, 'Kinsey'

Liam Neeson played Prof. Alfred Kinsey in the 2004 film 'Kinsey.' While his methods were highly controversial, his teachings about human sexuality were revolutionary and empowered his students to think and behave in new and exciting ways.

Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures via Everett Collection

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Pierre Dulaine, 'Dancing in Jaffa'

Real life teacher Pierre Dulaine is the subject of this year's documentary 'Dancing in Jaffa.' Dulaine is a world-renowned ballroom dancer who went back to his hometown in Israel to teach dance classes in neighborhoods divided by religion and politics. His methods for bringing together children and families (otherwise considered to be sworn enemies) are amazing and inspirational.

Photo: Sundance Selects

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Mohamed Fellag, 'Monsieur Lazhar'

Mohamed Fellag played Bachir Lazhar in the 2011 Oscar-nominated film 'Monsieur Lazhar.' As an immigrant teacher replacing a beloved teacher who committed suicide in her classroom, Monsieur Lazhar walks into a difficult situation but ultimately triumphs, making powerful connections with the grieving students.

Photo: Music Box Films via Everett Collection

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Robin Williams, 'Dead Poets Society'

Robin Williams played Prof. John Keating in 'Dead Poets Society.' Any English teacher who imagines, and performs, Marlon Brando doing Shakespeare is automatically one of the most brilliant instructors of all time.

Photo: Buena Vista Pictures via Everett Collection

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Julia Roberts, 'Mona Lisa Smile'

Julia Roberts brought some much-needed liberal, feminist thought to Wellesley college as art professor Katherine Ann Watson in 'Mona Lisa Smile.' Set in the '50s, the Golden Globe-nominated film also stars Kirsten Dunst, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Ginnifer Goodwin.

Photo: Columbia Pictures via Everett Collection

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Morgan Freeman, 'Lean On Me'

Morgan Freeman changed all of our lives as principal Joe Clark in 'Lean On Me.' Based on a true story, he turned an entire school upside down with some borderline-illegal methods... okay, some were actually illegal (like the huge locks on the door ) but how else was he supposed to keep the drug dealers out?!

Photo: Warner Bros. via Everett Collection

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Denzel Washington, 'The Great Debaters'

Denzel Washington made his directorial debut with 'The Great Debaters,' in which he played Prof. Melvin B. Tolson. Tolson was responsible for the first all-black debate team that went up against Harvard University's undefeated team in the '30s. He was also a controversial figure, accused of being a communist and a cheat.

Photo: MGM via Everett Collection

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Michelle Pfeiffer, 'Dangerous Minds'

While we all may associate Coolio (and 'Gangster's Paradise') with this movie, Michelle Pfeiffer was the real star of the 1995 film 'Dangerous Minds.' She played Louann Johnson (A.K.A. "White Bread"), a former marine whose toughness allowed her to connect with and learn from her high school students in the 'hood of Belmont, California.

Photo: Buena Vista Pictures via Everett Collection

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Paula Patton, 'Precious'

Paula Patton played Ms. Rain in 'Precious,' Lee Daniels' adaptation of the novel 'Push.' She has a huge impact on the life of Precious, a previously illiterate student who learns to journal through a series of tragedies she experiences in '80s Harlem.

Photo: Lionsgate via Everett Collection

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Edward James Olmos, 'Stand and Deliver'

We all need teachers who believe in our abilities, like Edward James Olmos' character in 'Stand and Deliver.' Based on the true story of Jaime Escalante, the film follows a Bolivian educator who starts teaching his students in East L.A. advanced calculus.